CHECKING IN WITH ... DARQUE TAN:

Summer is here, and the crowds are ready to hit the beach — but for those who don’t want to put up with sand, noise and parking, the Darque Tan salon at 4341 MacArthur Blvd., Suite D in Newport Beach offers an alternative way to pick up rays. Mariano Castaño, the district manager for the salon chain, offered the following pointers as tanning season rolls around.

Do more people tan during the summer or winter months?

The tanning season generally goes from February through July. So midwinter to midsummer.

How many people on average burn from the beds? Why do they burn?

Beds don’t burn people. People burn people. Professional operators, like our staff at Darque Tan, are trained to never burn people.

If burning is a concern, people should tan indoors as outdoor tanning is not controlled and very unpredictable.

How many minutes do you recommend for a beginner?

No more than four to six minutes, depending on your skin type. Tanning two to three times per week is the best way to achieve a healthy tan without the risk of burning.

Will a person who has difficulty tanning outdoors have the same problems when tanning in a bed?

Not as much, because of the controlled UVB exposure and professionally trained staff.

What do you say to people who are worried about getting cancer?

If I was authorized to make health claims, I would tell you that you can cut your risk of getting cancer 60% by maintaining optimal vitamin D levels.

Humans do this naturally by tanning. A tanning session can yield as much as 10,000 IUs of vitamin D.

The current recommendation of 200 IUs combined with the aggressive SPF industry has led to more than half of the U.S. population being vitamin D deficient, which has lead to premature deaths from cancer, autoimmune disease and heart disease.

For years, we have known that mortality rates in sunny climates are far lower for these diseases than in wintry climates. Vitamin D is the key.

Time Magazine listed vitamin D as one of the top 10 medical breakthroughs of 2007, and the New York Times called it the nutrient of the decade.

Sun-induced skin cancer (basal and squamous cell) kills 1,000 per year. Blowing this out of proportion is the game that the SPF industry plays to scare people out of the sun and sell more products.

The problem is, other cancers kill nearly 2,000 people a day.

Many of these deaths could be prevented by sensible and moderate sun exposure to maintain optimal vitamin D levels.

Unfortunately, tanning salon operators are prohibited from telling the public this information, so much of this is largely unknown.

What are the most effective tanning oils?

I would not suggest any type of tanning oil. These tend to be products that amplify the intensity of UV exposure and make it more of an unpredictable situation.

California Tan is the best brand in the tanning industry.

Why go to a tanning spa in the summer when you can just go to the beach?

No flies, no sand, no kids. Tanning indoors can be done year-round, and in a luxurious setting.

The same reason why you go to a gym vs. work out with heavy rocks or logs outdoors; tanning salons are simply “tanning gyms” that offer a predictable, controlled environment.

What are the different types of tanning booths?

There are two basic formats — stand up and lay down, which is left to personal preference.

More generally speaking, beds are categorized by their intensity.

Do you think Nicole Kidman or Anne Hathaway would look better with a tan?

Everyone looks better with a tan!